Algeria have always been that aggressive side, especially in front of goal, they can easily maneuver their way through the midfield and get to the 18-yard box. They came to this match strong and we also did. It's a match the Algerians really looked to win, they haven't gotten to the final in 29 years but Nigeria though, won it 6 years ago under the leadership of the Late Stephen Keshi. We had hoped to win the 2019 African Cup of Nations in his honour, we did our best.
They outplayed us from the very first kick but still, I think that was our tactics.. Maybe we drew too much pressure though, it was only a matter of time before an error was forced. Sincerely, we did well to keep the pressure at bay but an unanticipated deflection from the man who scored the winning goal in our last match, Solomon Ekong, gave them the lead, it was a disappointing goal that tested our resolve but we were able to prevent further damage till the referee blew the first half whistle.
We started the second half better, much hungrier and we pressed forward, scrapping our chances off the Foxes tables and looking to make the most of it. Our continued forward surge paid off when a shot was struck to towards the Algerian goalie and it was in fact blocked by a defender. But further checks with the VAR revealed it was a hand ball. To the shock of the Algerians, a penalty kick was awarded to Nigeria and it was Ighalo, our main striker who was giving the chase at goal. He struck it beautifully and confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, 1-1 it was.
All was well until the last minute of the game. We had hoped to extend the match further into extra-time and possibly push to penalties but a last second free kick call from a dangerous position dashed our hopes of winning the progressing to the finals.. Yet alone, winning the title. It was Mahrez that drove the ball with power to the farside of the goalkeeper. Now I see a tad-bit of lethargy and unprofessionalism from the goalkeeper who was standing right there but allowed the ball to get past him. It was the last goal attempt of the match and Algeria took it carefully. This has always been my worst fear of the AFCON tournament. They rejoiced, we cringed. And there it was,
A stunning free kick, a dagger to our hearts
